DNA Microscopy

White blood cells produce antibodies and the antibodies produced can change by a single letter change of their DNA or by their location in the body. Knowing this, researchers at MIT used DNA barcoding—i.e. short DNA fragments with specific RNA pairing—to identify and locate molecules in a cell sample, as say from a tumor biopsy. In cancer research this method of “DNA microscopy” could identify which antibody-producing cells are most effective in attacking a tumor. MORE